Plan Your Own Funeral Service

“Why should you plan your own funeral?” Good question. Many people are to superstitious to even think about dying what less to prepare for it. Yet, at the time of death, families are placed in the situation of having to make many important decisions in a brief period of time in the midst of intense grief. It doesn't hurt to take care of a few things.

1. Let family members know about your desires concerning arrangements and burial. Have you purchased grave plots. Do you have special insurance to take care of funeral costs. These types of arrangements should be written down and given to your spouse and children (or others who will be called upon to make these types of decisions at your death). My Aunt Majorie told as many people as she could about her desire to have a casket spray made out of pine boughs from a tree in her front yard. The tree was special to her. It had been planted by her nephew and nieces when they were young. They were her only children and the gesture carried important symbolic meaning for her.

2. Write down a list of your favorite hymns, scripture texts, poems, etc. that may be helpful in the planning of your funeral service. Are there particular people you would like to take part in the service? Such as a niece whom you love and who is gifted in speaking in front of people. Maybe she would be willing to speak for a few minutes. Go ahead and talk it over with your family and ask her about it now. It isn't too soon and an occasional reminder might be in order, “Remember, I want you to speak at my funeral.” I know of several people who have asked me to speak at their funerals. If their families call upon me to do this I won't be surprised.

3. Write down some stories or anecdotal information about yourself––serious or funny. If they make people laugh or cry, that’s okay. People are allowed to do that at funerals. Preachers would most likely appreciate having that kind of information as they prepare services for people. It is especially hard on preachers who come into a new church and have to do funerals for people they haven’t yet gotten to know. Often preachers are called upon to do funerals for people they have never met. Having information written down is extremely helpful.

We have forms available for you to use in this process. They are available in a variety of formats. Take a look at them––and use them.

God’s blessings be with you.